Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Impact of Cardiac Prehabilitation, REhabilitation and Patient EDucation on Outcomes in Patients Undergoing First-time AF Ablation

The CREED AF study is investigating if a special programme of exercise and education can help people who are having their first treatment for an irregular heartbeat, called AF ablation. Usually, patients don't get much extra support to prepare for this procedure or help them recover. This study wants to see if offering tailored exercise and education both before and after the ablation can improve how well the treatment works. Participants will either join this new exercise and education programme or receive the standard care, which includes a one-off education session. The study will not change the AF ablation procedure itself, only the support offered around it.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

Enrolment target

107

Start

02 Nov 2023

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2026

Atrial Fibrillation

What is this study about?

Heartfelt greetings from Patient.info! We're here to talk about a study called CREED AF, which is looking for ways to help people who have an irregular heartbeat, known as atrial fibrillation (AF). This condition can make your heart beat too fast or unevenly. One common treatment for AF is a procedure called ablation. This procedure involves creating tiny scars inside the heart to help it keep a more regular rhythm.

Currently, when people are getting ready for an AF ablation, they don't usually receive much extra support like special exercise programmes or educational sessions to help them get the best possible results. However, we know that for other heart conditions, these types of programmes, often called 'cardiac rehabilitation', can be very helpful. They include exercise and learning about how to live a healthier life.

That's why the CREED AF study is investigating if offering a tailored programme of exercise and education, both before (this is called 'prehabilitation') and after the AF ablation, can lead to better outcomes for patients. The study aims to compare this special programme with the usual care patients receive. If successful, this could mean better recovery and longer-lasting positive effects for people undergoing AF ablation in the future.

Key takeaways

This study explores extra support for AF ablation patients.
It tests exercise and education before and after treatment.
Aims to improve recovery and treatment results for an irregular heartbeat.
Compares a special programme to standard NHS care.
Your ablation procedure won't change if you join.
Participation helps future patients with AF.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who are aged 18 or older and are scheduled to have an AF ablation for the very first time. You must be able to understand basic spoken and written English to take part.

However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant, or if you have any health conditions that would make it unsafe for you to exercise, or difficult to travel to the study centre, you wouldn't be able to participate. Also, if you're already in another research study that might affect your AF ablation treatment, or if you find it hard to engage with online sessions, this study might not be right for you.

The researchers want to make sure everyone who takes part can do so safely and get the most out of the programme. Your medical team will help decide if this study is a good fit for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you planned for your very first AF ablation?
Can you travel to Coventry (if needed) or access online sessions easily?
Do you understand basic English?
Are you able to exercise safely?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in the CREED AF study, you will be randomly placed into one of two groups, like flipping a coin. One group will receive the special exercise and education programme (the CREED AF intervention), and the other will receive standard care. This random process helps ensure the study results are fair.

If you're in the CREED AF intervention group, you'll have an initial meeting with a specialist to discuss your health history, goals, and any concerns. You will then take part in a 6-8 week exercise programme, attending sessions 2-3 times a week. These sessions will be held at a specialised centre in Coventry or you can join instructor-led online workouts from home. You'll also receive educational support to help you make healthy lifestyle changes. This programme happens both before and after your AF ablation.

If you're in the standard care group, you will have a one-off, one-to-one education session with a trained professional before your AF ablation procedure. Your actual AF ablation procedure will be the same regardless of which group you are in. The study does not involve new medications, but it will involve attending these sessions and providing information about your health and how you feel over time.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer several potential benefits. If you are in the intervention group, the exercise and education programme could help improve your physical fitness and understanding of your condition, potentially leading to better recovery and outcomes from your AF ablation. For all participants, contributing to this study helps doctors learn more about the best ways to support patients with AF, which could help many people in the future. As with any exercise programme, there's a small risk of discomfort or injury, but all exercise will be tailored to your abilities and overseen by specialists. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Coventry, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is AF ablation?

AF ablation is a procedure that creates small scars in your heart to correct an irregular heartbeat and help it return to a normal rhythm.

What is "prehabilitation"?

Prehabilitation means doing exercise and education before your medical procedure to help your body prepare and potentially improve your recovery.

Will my AF ablation treatment change if I join this study?

No, the study will not change the actual AF ablation procedure you receive as part of your standard medical care.

Do I have to go to a special centre for the exercise?

You can attend exercise sessions at a centre in Coventry or join instructor-led workouts from home, depending on what works best for you.

How long will I be involved in the study?

If you are in the exercise and education group, the main programme runs for 6-8 weeks, both before and after your ablation. You'll likely be asked for information about your health over a longer period.